Avery Cardinal: Service

Hi friends!! My name is Avery Cardinal, and I am from Tulsa, Oklahoma. I am an English Lit major with a minor in General Business. Outside of Setons, I love hiking, lifting, reading, and watching football. I am a major caffeine addict and love to drive around and try new coffee shops. Here in Spokane, Indaba is one of my favorites, BUT if you ever find yourself in Dallas, try La La Land and thank me later for changing your life. At Gonzaga, I also serve as play practice coordinator for GUSR, a CCE program that hosts programming for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Both GUSR and Setons have added so much meaning and joy to my life this past year!
What initially drew me to Setons was our pillar of service. I have been passionate about service since high school, and I was thrilled by the opportunity to connect with 29 other girls who also share this passion. Last semester, I volunteered at the Boys and Girls Club. While it took a couple of times to get settled in, my two hours of weekly service quickly became one of my favorite parts of the week. Over the course of 4 months, my fourth graders added so much laughter and joy to my life. I am incredibly grateful for the time I spent with them. From helping with homework to playing soccer, these small moments have left a lasting impact. I watched kids overcome their struggles, learn to be kind to one another, and come out of their shells. Being surrounded by college students and faculty most of the time, it was nice to hang out with kids and connect with the greater Spokane community. This semester I get the opportunity to connect with another community of kids at the Isaac Foundation! The Isaac foundation is an organization that hosts an afterschool program for teens with autism. Last Tuesday, we played an EPIC game of hide and seek. Needless to say, I am hooked! I cannot wait to get to know and develop relationships with these kids!